Christmas Noir -
Christmas also has a darker history that includes:
In 1647, Oliver Cromwell, the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, banned Christmas celebrations. He even sent soldiers to patrol the streets to seize any food or drinks prepared for the holiday. The ban was unpopular and remained in place until 1660.
Krampus is a dark side to Santa, and is often depicted as Santa's evil helper or enemy. In Eastern Europe, Krampus punishes bad children, while Santa rewards good ones.
Many European legends tell of supernatural creatures that enter homes through chimneys. These include brownies, witches, and goblins.
The Nazis used Christmas as a weapon, moving the Berlin Christmas market to the city centre and only allowing Nazi-approved wares to be sold.
Christmas incorporates elements from pre-Christian traditions, such as the winter solstice, which is celebrated by ancient civilizations around the world. Celebrations like decorating with holly, putting up Christmas trees, and kissing under the mistletoe are rooted in ancient fertility rituals.
In some northern countries, people believed St. Nicholas was an evil force and would tell their children not to go outside in the winter.
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